I think that the first story was very passionate about teaching and helping his students to become a success. I felt that his choice to talk about battling the day is very fascinating and the connection of that from his teaching and fighting lessons is very creative. I agree with him that getting through the day is the biggest battle of all and that everyone has their own reasons for fighting through things. In the second story I loved how the man admitted to his past and showed how far he has come. It shows that really anyone can accomplish anything if they put their mind to it. He had no clue that poetry was his passion until a piece of his work was published. Instead of having just that one item of work, he went to school and got the proper education to continue with that and made a career out of it. He turned his life around and surprised himself in the long run. I hope to become just as successful and happy in the future. The last reading discussed a role model type of situation. The woman discussed how much she looks up to her grandmother and the reasons why. I also strongly look up to my grandma for different reasons. I follow come of her footsteps and also learn from some of her mistakes. She is one of my best friends and I strongly relate with the author.